Bui Power inaugurates 2 energy projects, multi-purpose office complex

THE Bui Power Authority (BPA) has inaugurated two energy projects and a multi-purpose office complex at Bui in the Banda District in the Bono Region.

The projects are a 40 megawatts Peak (MWp) Land-based Solar Power Plant, 5MWp Floating Solar Power Farm and a multi-purpose office complex.

Constructed at the Bui Generating Station (BGS), the projects seek to provide sustainable energy, stimulate industrial growth and attract investors into the region and the country as a whole.

Land litigation 

At the separate inauguration of the projects last Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, said the installation of solar panels on the Bui reservoir would reduce land-use litigations and maximise the potential of water resources.

"As the largest floating solar project in West Africa, it is a shining example of how renewable energy technologies can adapt to unique environmental conditions.

"The successful execution of this project, led by our talented engineers at BPA, underscores the technical expertise available right here in Ghana," he said.

The 40MWp solar plant consists of 73,260 bifacial panels, installed on a fixed mounting structure, while the 5MWp solar farm is installed on the Bui reservoir at the Bui Dam, originally designed to maximise utility without requiring new land resources.

The BPA announced its plans to commence installation of the additional 10MWp floating system to increase the existing capacity from 5MWp to 15MWp, to help in resolving the energy needs of the country.

The solar power initiative is to add solar energy to the country's grid to create a more resilient power sector, reduce carbon emissions and offset reliance on fossil fuels.

The fully-furnished six-storey office complex was named after a pioneering CEO of the BPA, Fred Oware, in honour of him.

It has features such as solar panels, green spaces, and energy-efficient ventilation systems.

Energy resilience

Mr Dzamesi said the solar power facilities had set the foundation to enhance energy resilience, aligning with both national and international commitments to sustainability.

He said the facilities would provide reliable, clean and renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports Ghana's climate goals. 

Mr Dzamesi said the projects highlighted BPA's commitment to fulfil its renewable energy mandate within the Bui enclave. 

He reminded the staff, particularly the engineers and technicians that despite the completion of the projects, there was more work ahead for them as the energy landscape continued to evolve. 

"We must remain at the forefront by adopting innovative and sustainable solutions to meet Ghana’s growing energy needs," he said.

Mr Dzamesi explained that the challenges of energy security, climate change, and sustainable development required BPA to push further. 

On the Fred Oware Block, he said the facility would serve as a centralised hub for the operational and administrative functions of BPA.

He said the construction of the facility created more than 400 jobs for individuals within the Bui enclave and beyond, boosting local economic activities.

Cutting-edge solutions

The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene, said the floating solar system initiated by the authority highlighted BPA's ability to adopt cutting-edge solutions to meet the country's energy needs. 

She said the initiative had set a strong foundation for future renewable energy projects and positioned the country as a regional leader in innovative energy solutions.

She said the completion of the projects demonstrated the BPA's enduring dedication to driving innovation, expanding access to clean energy, and promoting socio-economic development within the Bui enclave and across the country.

"By harnessing solar energy, we are reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources, safeguarding our environment, and contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change," she said.                               

Energy cost 

Ms Owusu-Banahene said the projects would play a critical role in reducing the burden of energy costs on households and industries.

She said each of the projects represented a strategic leap forward in their quest to create a modern, reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure for the country.

She said the projects marked a decisive step in the journey towards energy independence and sustainability and Ghana's pursuit of renewable energy and commitment to cleaner and sustainable power generation.